Gateron Glory Yellow vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Mint stand out as two compelling linear options, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow is renowned for its heavier feel, providing a smooth keystroke complemented by a satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint shines with its long-pole stem, offering a satisfyingly smooth response paired with a unique poppy thockiness, appealing to those who prefer a lighter, more fleeting touch while typing. While both switches deliver a linear feel cherished by enthusiasts for their consistency and responsiveness, they diverge in weight and feedback, allowing individuals to choose based on personal typing style and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Mint switches, distinct differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its softness and sound-absorbing qualities, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Mint opts for a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction in materials means that while both switches can offer unique auditory experiences, the Glory Yellow’s nylon top will produce a more muted, rounded sound, effectively dampening noise compared to the clear, resonant tone of the Mint’s polycarbonate top housing.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a striking uniformity in that aspect. The nylon bottom of the Glory Yellow and KTT Mint contributes to a sound profile that is deep and full, lending a similar tactile feel and auditory feedback when actuating the switch. This commonality allows for a shared experience in terms of feel when bottoming out, despite the variance in their top housings. Hence, while the overall sound may largely differ with respect to the top housing, users can expect a consistent bottom sound experience due to the use of nylon in both switches' lower portions.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch not only affects sound production but also influences the total typing experience. The Glory Yellow's nylon top softens its sound, creating a more mellow keystroke, while the KTT Mint's polycarbonate top provides clarity and brightness. However, with both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, any user’s typing experience will maintain a degree of consistency regarding sound absorption and tactile feedback when bottoming out. This makes it possible for a user to achieve similar results in terms of feel, even if the overall sound profile varies significantly due to the contrasting materials used in the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Mint is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that the Glory Yellow will require a bit more force to actuate a keystroke compared to the Mint, making it potentially less suitable for long typing sessions for those who prefer lighter switches. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unspecified, making it difficult to fully assess its overall typing feel in comparison to the Mint, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorized as medium-light. Thus, for users who favor a heavier, more substantial typing experience, the Glory Yellow may be more appealing while recognizing it remains unclear how it feels when bottomed out. Ultimately, the KTT Mint is lighter in actuation force, compared to the Glory Yellow, making it a better option for prolonged use, while the absence of the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow leaves some uncertainty in its overall performance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a similar feel and performance when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, ultimately leading to a comparable typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, it is straightforward to achieve uniformity in key actuation and response across keyboards utilizing these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch has not been detailed in this context. However, the KTT Mint switch is characterized by its low-pitched tone, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow auditory profile. Additionally, the neutral quality of the Mint switch means that it balances moderate actuation force with a sound profile that is suitable for various environments, whether for casual or professional use. Since sound is influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and keycap choice, users looking for a specific auditory experience with the Glory Yellow may find that it differs somewhat from the Mint, but the overall experience can remain subjective.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow’s characteristics weren’t explicitly outlined, but the KTT Mint switch is noted for its mild and polished typing experience. This mild nature contributes to a gentle interaction with the keys, making it accessible and comfortable for users who prefer a less aggressive typing feel. The polished aspect implies a refined experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. If the Glory Yellow switch's feel aligns closely with smooth and enjoyable linear feedback, the typing experience might be similarly satisfying, although the specificities of resistance and weight would determine the ultimate comfort level.
Considering the overall qualities of the Gateron Glory Yellow and KTT Mint switches, both aim to deliver smooth and pleasant typing experiences, albeit with some differences in sound and potentially in feel. The Mint excels with its low-pitched and neutral auditory output, paired with a mild and polished tactile feedback, which can cater to a wide audience. If the Glory Yellow offers a comparable smoothness in feel, users may find themselves enjoying similar tactile feedback, although they may encounter a different sound profile. Ultimately, trying both switches would be the best approach to determine personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the KTT Mint linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you appreciate a smooth keystroke accompanied by a more substantial feel, the Glory Yellow could be ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a heavier typing sensation that contributes to a satisfying travel distance. This makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer stability and a firmer feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mint provides a light, fleeting typing experience characterized by its long pole stem, which offers a distinct poppy thockiness. This switch is better suited for users who favor a gentler touch with less bottom-out force, making it perfect for speed typists or those who are after a smoother, more polished feel. Additionally, if you need a switch with a versatile sound profile that leans towards a low-pitched and neutral tone, the Mint switch could serve you well both in quiet environments and during gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspects you value most in your mechanical switch—weight, sound, and overall feel—when making your choice.
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